Simply Six: Rachel Brown

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivanshow, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

For as long as I can remember, I daydreamed about music, but I think it become a goal for me when I started teaching myself guitar at 18. I learned a couple chords and from there on started channeling my creative energy into songwriting. Any live show I go to, it doesn't matter what genre, reinforces my passion for writing and performing.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Bob Marley and the Wailers, Wyclef Jean, Jack Johnson, Bruno Mars...with streaming websites like Pandora, I find a lot of what I listen to is a mix of artists on shuffle. A Quickmix of my Ka'au Crater Boys and Smokey Robinson stations get the most use.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

It's hard to choose, because different moments - big or small - have been so special to me along the way. One that certainly stands out is Wyclef Jean asking me to sing Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" with him at a charity event. That moment was incredible on so many levels - I was singing a song by a huge influence of mine with another another huge influence of mine one week after graduating college to pursue music full-time. Not only was it a moment I can cherish forever, but it gave me the boost of energy and confidence I needed to know I wasn't totally nuts to try and make a career in music.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Music can be so many things. It can inspire someone to do something personally or beyond themselves. From cleaning your house to rallies, music can ignite people.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

My music has existed solely in the digital age, so I have nothing to compare it to other than my experience as a fan pre-internet. While I certainly miss the thrill of running to the record store to get a brand new CD, with the internet, music is so instantly accessible, post it and anyone can find it at any time. And with Twitter and Facebook, I can connect with fans of my music in any part of the world. It's amazing.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

A well-worn pair of sandals, so I'd be somewhere warm and likely on the beach.

SIMPLY SIX: Melissa Ferrick

Melissa Ferrick is a singer/songwriter from Boston.

For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
1,....Probably the first live show i saw which was Culture Club and everyone turned on their lighters and i was in the cheap seats and it looked so cool and there was a universal feeling i remember everyone singing along and swaying and i thought,..I want to feel like this every day for teh rest of my life.

When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
2....i actually don;t really listen to much current current music outside of
friends of mine who make records and my probabaly obvious favorites like jack Johnson, D.M.B., Ani, Tori Amos, Death Cab, Tegan and sara...etc... etc...popular singer singwritters mostly,..though i listen to NPR classical and jazz...

What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
3...i am lucky to feel like i've had a few,..but the most recent was at the 100th anniversary of Progressive Magazine on stage with
Ani DiFranco, THe Indigo Girls, Dar Williams, Hammel on Trial, Catie Curtis, and Peter Mulvey,....Nice hang,..great voices,....great magazine!

. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
4....well,..i think people change the world,..and music reflects and mirrors life, i don't think music itself can change the world but i do believe a great song can make people feel united and "in sync" and from there people do it.,...i think it is more likely that music reflects current events,..its a back and forth thing,..sometimes its hard to know which came first,,ya know,..the song or the movement..

. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
5....wow this is a HUGE question,..how hasnt it,.is really the question i guess,...more interestingly for me is the way music is still an organic thing for me ,..becasue it starts with a guitar adn a lyric,.not a beat,.although,..even beats can be organic,.so,.i guess the only thing technology hasnt changed is the fact that someone has to write it...:)
Technology has only Positively affected my career certainly in its ability to turn more people onto my stuff and the ability for people to access my music and information.

Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
6....black Vans with a big toe hole.

Interview: Tristan Prettyman

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

my parents came to a show, and said, we think you should take a break from college and go play music, this seems to make you happy. i said, yes it does! hoorayyy no more scantron sheets!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

thats interesting, cause we just finished a 6 1/2 week tour, and then i was home for a week, and then i have been in hawaii surfing for the last week, and on the plane today, i didnt listen to my ipod, i just listened to the 'natural' station that you could select on the plane. It was basically all the beatles catalog on the xylaphone. but i realized, since i have been home from tour, i havent had the desire to listen to anything. nothing with words at least. but in general, i really love all music, lately, i love the new jack johnson record, santo gold, and all of the bob marley catalog.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

my greatest moment is always around the corner. with this job you cant expect anything, its so unpredictable, so i just try to enjoy where i am and what i am doing right now. notable moments (haha) include; recording this last record in london, singing a song with cat stevens, and i would say when this girl on valentines day in arizona, jumped the barricade climbed on stage and gave me a huge hug. that was pretty bad ass.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

music is something we can all connect with, and i think when we connect with something, we can most definitely be inspired by it. and inspiration can fuel the action for change. just look at dylan in the 60's. perfect example.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

i always think about how when i was in high school, no one had cell phones, and i was a rarity to have a computer at home. we used to go on the school library computers to go on the internet, and back then, no one hardly even know what the internet was. i remember when i started playing music. i used to burn cds on the computer and sell them at the pizza place i worked at, and then i would sell them at shows, and i would have a mailing list. but no one had myspace, or face book or barely a website. it just amazes me how much the internet has opened the door for music and artists. you can do everything on your own, and people can find and discover music on their own. its pretty awesome. im def a big fan of myspace. its a great way to spread your music and let your fans grow with you.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

ooooh tough call...

i would be my patent leather marc jacobs peep toe heels, because they are so classy and so timeless and theyve never let me down. but then i might get tired and want to be my favorite pair of sanuk suade doe sandals in brown :)